Indian athletics witnessed a landmark moment in Tokyo as Sarvesh Kushare leapt his way into history at the National Stadium in Tokyo on Sunday.
The 30-year-old from Nashik became the first Indian high jumper ever to qualify for the final of the World Athletics Championships.
Sarvesh’s achievement came on a dramatic day of qualification when Tokyo Olympic champion Gianmarco Tamberi crashed out of the event, failing to make the cut. Tamberi faltered in all three attempts at 2.21m and managed to clear only 2.16m, making an exit in the preliminary round.
In contrast, the Indian jumper held his composure under pressure. Sarvesh, who has a personal best of 2.27m set in 2022, opened with a 2.16m jump and followed it up with 2.21m before clearing 2.25m on his third attempt – a mark good enough to secure him ninth place in the qualification round and a coveted spot in the 13-man final.
“The World Championship finals feel amazing. I had confidence in myself that I would make it… personally, I have a lot of self-belief today,” Sarvesh told India Today after reaching the final, echoing both relief and quiet confidence. His journey has been one of persistence and steady progression. A silver medallist at the 2023 Asian Athletics Championships, he narrowly missed out on a podium finish at the Hangzhou Asian Games, finishing fourth.
At the national level, Sarvesh has been a dominant force. Just last month, he clinched gold at the 64th National Inter State Senior Athletics Championships in Chennai by clearing a height of 2.24m. Consistency has been his trademark – he has already cleared 2.26m twice this season, underlining his readiness for the big stage.
He will be determined to give his best in the men’s high jump final on September 16. History has already been made, but Sarvesh Kushare will be more intent than ever on raising the bar even higher.